ANTHEM Review
I greatly appreciated Rand's ideas about the relationship of the individual to society and I felt a sense of ecstatic recognition in her final exhortation. However, I was amazed that this book was written by a woman... apparently even Ayn Rand wasn't immune to the mind-numbing patriarchal dogmas of "modern" American society. Not only was the protagonist's female companion merely his follower; I gather that He read all the books and then told her about what he'd learned... then He claimed for himself the exalted role of light-bringer while assigning to her--- motherhood. And finally he joyfully assumes that all His children will be Men and from there on it's Man this and Man that while our erstwhile heroine has faded into nothingness in the grand scheme of the future (maybe she's still gazing at herself in a mirror, where we last left her). I am all for the idea of men and women as equal partners, and Anthem's male-centric viewpoint of the utopian future seems rather odd, and sad, coming from the pen of a woman. I'd like to think that if she had written the book today she'd have escaped this thought tyranny, but it's hard to say, as the trivialization of women is still very much alive and well in American media even now. I guess it goes to show how even free-thinkers have a difficult time escaping the doctrinal confines of their own time and place.
ANTHEM Overview
Anthem is a dystopian fiction novella by Ayn Rand, first published in 1938. It takes place at some unspecified future date when mankind has entered another dark age as a result of the evils of irrationality and collectivism and the weaknesses of socialistic thinking and economics. Technological advancement is now carefully planned (when it is allowed to occur at all) and the concept of individuality has been eliminated (for example, the word "I" has disappeared from the language). As is common in her work, Rand draws a clear distinction between the "socialist/communal" values of equality and brotherhood and the "productive/capitalist" values of achievement and individuality. Many of the novella's core themes, such as the struggle between individualism and collectivism, are echoed in Rand's later books, such as The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. However, the style of "Anthem" is unique among Rand's work, more narrative-centered and economical, lacking the intense didactic expressions of philosophical abstraction that occur in later works. It is probably her most accessible work.
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Customer Reviews
Review From A Lefty - Art Turner - Rockford, IL USA
Each one of us comes to new each work of art with certain beliefs and viewpoints which color our perception of the work; in the interest of full disclosure, I shall attempt to briefly describe mine. Politically, my views are probably to the left of most Americans, though they would probably not be considered extraordinary in most western European nations; in terms of religious views, I describe myself as a non-denominational Protestant - I consider myself to being close to what the writer Tony Campolo describes as a "red-letter Christian". In sum, my beliefs are pretty far removed from those of the average Ayn Rand aficionado.
And yet I enjoyed ANTHEM a great deal, at least initially. It's a brisk, entertaining read, and stylistically it's light-years beyond the frankly odious ATLAS SHRUGGED, which I gave up on after several weeks of trying. It's also a solid exemplification of how any ideology can go wrong, taken to extremes. Rand is also obviously passionate about her beliefs, and has the courage of her convictions - always a plus.
And yet, in the end... I just don't get it. What I hold to be core virtues in my world view (compassion, empathy, selflessness) - the ones that, as Rand might have it, I don't have to be socialized into believing or learn out of a book - I just know in my bones are right, don't seem to have much currency in Rand's philosophy. Do I believe everyone deserves a participation trophy for drawing breath? No, of course I don't. Do I believe everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt? Yes, I do - even you, Ms. Rand; that's why I read your book.
We hold these truths to be self evident... - bernie - Arlington, Texas
Equality 7-2521 who speaks of himself in the first person plural makes a few discoveries that lead him to rethink the nature and purpose of man.
I will not go through this short story blow by blow, as the fun in this book is to discover what Equality 7-2521 discovers. Would you draw the same conclusion or follow the same course? You will find yourself kibitzing and cringing.
"You are what your deep, driving desire is. As your desire is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny." (Brihadaranyaka IV.4.5)
For the person that is new to Ayn Rand this is as good place to start, as any and it will be an eye opener. If you have the time to read "Atlas Shrugged" the concepts, thoughts, and speeches are more complete.
Pro or con, you cannot afford to pass this book. You may be surprised to find that you are surrounded by Objectivists.
Present Tense ? - Frankie Sutton - North Carolina
After reading this book, I couldn't help but think of what is going on in our country right now in 2010.
Where socialism is taking hold and making us all "WE". The individualism and freedom is being taken away from us little by little. Ayn Rand put the fears for our future in words way back in 1935. How prophetic that she saw what could happen if we aren't careful to preserve individual freedoms from socialist concepts.
A great read.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 08, 2010 06:24:06
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